MLB teams really value talented rookies.
Teams have cheap control over players’ contracts for their first six years of service time, and the first three are much more convenient because these young players are paid near the league minimum.
A player on his first three years of service time who is a difference-maker is one of the most valuable commodities in MLB.
The 2022 season was particularly productive when it comes to impact rookies.
Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners not only won the AL Rookie of the Year, but also put on a show in the Home Run Derby.
Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves provided the organization with an excellent all-around player who could do it all at 21 years old.
He edged his teammate Spencer Strider, one of the most dominant pitchers of the year, in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.
Rookies Came Out To Play In 2022
The league posted an exciting video for fans to remember the rookies that left their mark in 2022.
the rooks came out to play this year 📹 pic.twitter.com/FNn6IVUoGV
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 16, 2022
Yes, first-year players definitely came out to play this year.
Some of the impressive rookies that appeared on the video are Adley Rutschman, Riley Greene, Oswaldo Cabrera, Alek Thomas, Gunnar Henderson, Felix Bautista, Reid Detmers (who pitched a no-hitter, no less!), Bobby Witt Jr., Oneil Cruz, Brendan Donovan, Shea Langeliers, Alexis Diaz, Shane Baz, Joey Bart, Jake McCarthy, Bryson Stott, Jeremy Pena, and others.
That’s a lot of talent, and there were plenty more that didn’t make their way to the short video.
The league, you could say, is in very good hands with all the rookies and young talent out there.
More will likely come next year.
NEXT: The Red Sox Are Reportedly Focusing On A Homegrown Star